Healthy food on a budget

Think back to the last time you went to the grocery store. Did you end up spending more than you hoped? Were there more than five ingredients listed on the items you purchased?

There is a common misconception that eating healthy is oftentimes too expensive. And, it’s simply not true. There are many ways to save money and still eat whole, single-ingredient foods.

Top-5 things to keep in mind for eating healthy on a budget

Consider these tips from Healthline External Site for eating healthy on a budget:

1. Plan your meals — you'll know exactly what you need, so extra food doesn't end up costing you more than necessary.
2. Stick to your list — you've taken the time to plan your meals, now stick to what's on the list. 
3. Cook at home — it's typically cheaper to buy your ingredients and cook at home than eat at a restaurant.
4. Don't shop when you're hungry — everything looks good when you're hungry, so you're more likely to buy items not on the list.
5. Buy generic brands — same quality, less dents made to your bank account.

Get a grocery store game plan

It's also important to know how to effectively navigate the store in order to stray away from the processed junk food. Whether you're looking to live a healthier lifestyle or save money, it's important to go to the store with a game plan.

1. Choose real foods — leafy greens, raw nuts and seeds, organic meats.
2. Avoid processed foods — they contain harmful oils, preservatives and hidden sugars.
3. Read your ingredients — forget the nutrition label, direct your eyes to the ingredient list!
4. Focus on the perimeter — you'll find the freshest foods on the perimeter of the store. Most processed, junk food is located in the middle aisles.

Looking for healthy recipes that don't break the bank? Head over to our recipes section. Here, you'll find taste-tested breakfast, main dish and dessert options. Plus, much more.